Don José Noriega (March 19, 1796 – May 30, 1869) was a Spanish-born Californio ranchero and politician. He served as Alcalde of San José (mayor) and was a prominent landowner in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Biography Noriega was born on 19 March 1796 in Asturias, Spain.The United States Vs. Andres Castillero V1: New Almaden, Transcript Of The Record (1859) He emigrated to Alta California as part of the Híjar-Padrés colony in 1834.The Life And Adventures In California Of Don Agustín Janssens 1834-1856
Noriega served as Alcalde of San José (mayor) for a one term in 1839.Bancroft, Hubert Howe. History of California: 1825-1840 Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1840. ; See pages 729-731Bancroft, Hubert Howe. History of California: 1808-1824 Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1840. ; See pages 604-606
Noriega was the grantee of numerous rancho grants, including Rancho Los Méganos in 1835, Rancho Las Positas in 1839, and Rancho Quito in 1841.Ogden Hoffman, 1862, Reports of Land Cases Determined in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Numa Hubert, San FranciscoSanta Clara County - Historic Context Statement He purchased Rancho Cañada de los Vaqueros in 1847.
He died on 30 May 1869 and is buried at Oak Hill Memorial Park.
Personal life He was married to Manuela Fernández de Noriega, daughter of José Zenon Fernandez, who also came with Híjar-Padrés colony in 1834.William H. Ellison, 1953, The Life And Adventures In California Of Don Agustin Janssens, 1834–1856 Jose Noriega (ca. 1850) Manuela Fernandez Noriega (ca. 1850) They had one daughter Enedina Noriega, who was married to José Villar.
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